microsoft word - inter-faith sudan statement final

Inter-Faith Statement on Sudan As faith-based organizations engaged in humanitarian relief and advocacy, we speak with one voice for a peaceful and stable Sudan. We support diplomatic and multi- lateral efforts for the purpose of achieving sustainable peace throughout Sudan. Our diverse faith traditions call us to be active in seeking peace and to speak on behalf of all who suffer violence and oppression, regardless of faith, race, color or creed. The Hebrew Talmud tells us tha t “Whoever destroys a soul, it i s considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.” ( Jerusalem Talmud , Sanhedrin 4:8 (37a)). The Qur’an states "We have created you male and female, and appointed you nations and tribes, that you may come to know one another.” (Chapter Dwellings 26, Verse 13). The New Testament proclaims “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5:9-10). We commend leadership efforts already taken by our government, especially the role the U.S. played in brokering the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed between north and south Sudan in 2005. At the same time we know that Sudan remains in a state of crisis. The Darfur crisis continues to affect the lives of millions of people, and progress on the implementation of key CPA provisions continues to be slow, further jeopardizing the stability of the entire country. As leaders within the United States Government, we urge you to work with the international community in crafting a solution that will protect the dignity of all human beings. We request your immediate attention to the following key areas that we view as critical in ensuring sustainable peace in Sudan, including: • Develop a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of conflict, negotiates an end to the fighting, and receives broad international support. • Approach the situation in Sudan holi stically. Each region has its own strengths and challenges, needs and resources, yet no region exists in a vacuum. In order to pursue a long-term solution that promotes the common good for people throughout Sudan, the needs of the entire country must be considered. • Alleviate suffering by addressing the needs of internally displaced persons and refugees. In addressing these needs, it i s critical that we recognize human beings are not identical and require individual treatment, paying particular attention to the needs of the most vulnerable victims. • Commit to long-term reconstruction and development. Conflict and marginalization have left much of Sudan lacking in health, education and economic development, causing further hardship to its people. • Support national and international efforts, including African Union and United Nations efforts to protect internally displaced persons in makeshift camps, as well as aid workers, by peaceful means. This should include sufficient financial support, technical support, personnel, and monitoring for activities. As faith-based organizations representing Jewish, Christian, Muslim and other religious constituents in the United States, we call attention to the moral issues

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Page 1: Microsoft Word - Inter-Faith Sudan Statement Final

8/14/2019 Microsoft Word - Inter-Faith Sudan Statement Final

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/microsoft-word-inter-faith-sudan-statement-final 1/3

Inter-Faith Statement on Sudan

As faith-based organizations engaged in humanitarian relief and advocacy, we speakwith one voice for a peaceful and stable Sudan. We support diplomatic and multi-lateral efforts for the purpose of achieving sustainable peace throughout Sudan.

Our diverse faith traditions call us to be active in seeking peace and to speak onbehalf of all who suffer violence and oppression, regardless of faith, race, color orcreed. The Hebrew Talmud tells us that “Whoever destroys a soul, it is considered asif he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if hesaved an entire world.” ( Jerusalem Talmud , Sanhedrin 4:8 (37a)). The Qur’an states"We have created you male and female, and appointed you nations and tribes, thatyou may come to know one another.” (Chapter Dwellings 26, Verse 13). The NewTestament proclaims “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called childrenof God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs isthe kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5:9-10).

We commend leadership efforts already taken by our government, especially the rolethe U.S. played in brokering the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signedbetween north and south Sudan in 2005. At the same time we know that Sudanremains in a state of crisis. The Darfur crisis continues to affect the lives of millionsof people, and progress on the implementation of key CPA provisions continues to beslow, further jeopardizing the stability of the entire country.

As leaders within the United States Government, we urge you to work with theinternational community in crafting a solution that will protect the dignity of allhuman beings. We request your immediate attention to the following key areas thatwe view as critical in ensuring sustainable peace in Sudan, including:

• Develop a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of conflict,negotiates an end to the fighting, and receives broad international support.

• Approach the situation in Sudan holistically. Each region has its own strengthsand challenges, needs and resources, yet no region exists in a vacuum. Inorder to pursue a long-term solution that promotes the common good forpeople throughout Sudan, the needs of the entire country must beconsidered.

• Alleviate suffering by addressing the needs of internally displaced persons andrefugees. In addressing these needs, it is critical that we recognize humanbeings are not identical and require individual treatment, paying particularattention to the needs of the most vulnerable victims.

• Commit to long-term reconstruction and development. Conflict andmarginalization have left much of Sudan lacking in health, education andeconomic development, causing further hardship to its people.

• Support national and international efforts, including African Union and UnitedNations efforts to protect internally displaced persons in makeshift camps, aswell as aid workers, by peaceful means. This should include sufficient financialsupport, technical support, personnel, and monitoring for activities.

As faith-based organizations representing Jewish, Christian, Muslim and otherreligious constituents in the United States, we call attention to the moral issues

Page 2: Microsoft Word - Inter-Faith Sudan Statement Final

8/14/2019 Microsoft Word - Inter-Faith Sudan Statement Final

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/microsoft-word-inter-faith-sudan-statement-final 2/3

raised by a lack of action to end the crisis in Sudan. By supporting policies thatuphold the human dignity of each person, all of whom are made in the image of God,we hope the people of Sudan can one day live in justice, dignity and peace. As ourelected officials we urge you to engage our government and the internationalcommunity in a collective effort to create peace in Sudan.